All articles tagged with #naloxone
Despite a national decline in overdose deaths in 2024, some US regions experienced increases, with disparities linked to drug supply changes, especially fentanyl, and regional differences in data collection and treatment efforts. The crisis remains severe, with over 80,000 deaths, highlighting the need for better surveillance, prevention, and treatment strategies.
Humboldt County saw a nearly 40% decrease in drug overdose deaths in 2024, attributed largely to increased access to naloxone and syringe exchange programs, though concerns about drug use and enforcement remain among local officials.
Baltimore experienced a mass overdose event with at least 27 hospitalizations, prompting community outreach and harm reduction efforts, as authorities investigate the cause and focus on saving lives and providing treatment resources.
Dozens of people in West Baltimore were hospitalized following suspected drug overdoses, with at least five in critical condition, prompting emergency response and city officials to emphasize the ongoing opioid crisis and the importance of harm reduction measures like carrying Naloxone.
Over 25 people in Baltimore's Penn-North neighborhood were hospitalized after a mass overdose, with some in critical condition, prompting emergency response and distribution of naloxone, while authorities treat the scene as a potential crime scene.
The article discusses the recent decline in overdose deaths in the US, attributed partly to increased naloxone distribution, but warns that the proposed dismantling of key health agencies by the new administration could reverse these gains and lead to a resurgence in overdose fatalities.
Jacy Werner, whose brother died from a fentanyl overdose, is using her personal tragedy to educate Gulf Coast teens on opioid overdose prevention. As the executive director of the Benjamin Thomas Werner Foundation, she speaks to high school students about the dangers of drugs like fentanyl and demonstrates how to use Naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversal drug. Her efforts are part of a broader trend contributing to a decline in overdose deaths in the U.S., as reported by the CDC. Werner's initiative aims to prevent other families from experiencing similar losses.
The CDC reports a 14% decline in US drug overdose deaths from June 2023 to June 2024, marking a significant shift after decades of rising fatalities. The decrease, attributed partly to increased access to naloxone and addiction treatments, as well as legal settlements against opioid companies, is seen as a positive development despite nearly 100,000 annual deaths still occurring. States like North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia saw the largest declines, while some states, including Alaska and Nevada, experienced increases.
The U.S. is experiencing a historic decline in drug overdose deaths, with a 14.5% drop over a year, attributed to the widespread use of naloxone and possibly less potent fentanyl. The CDC reports this as the lowest level of drug deaths in nearly four years, saving over 16,000 lives. However, experts caution against complacency and highlight the need for continued focus on addiction healthcare, especially in marginalized communities where overdose deaths have not decreased.
Alaska experienced its deadliest year for opioid overdoses in 2023, with a nearly 40% increase in deaths compared to the previous year, primarily attributed to the prevalence of fentanyl in the drug supply. The state saw the highest year-to-year increase in overdose deaths in the nation, with Anchorage being hit the hardest. Efforts to combat the crisis include distributing naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips, as well as utilizing opioid settlement funds to support opioid remediation strategies. Health officials urge Alaskans to avoid mixing opioids with other substances, test illicit drugs for fentanyl, and carry naloxone, which has been linked to a 93% survival rate for those experiencing overdoses.
Whatcom County reports its first known death from a Xylazine-related overdose, also known as tranq or tranq dope, which is a powerful animal tranquilizer. The toxicology report showed the presence of other drugs including fentanyl and methamphetamines. Xylazine is not an opioid, so naloxone sprays will not reverse an overdose, but should still be used if fentanyl is suspected. The drug reduces brain activity and can cause dangerous reductions in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as severe skin wounds that are difficult to heal. Officials urge the public to always call 911 if they suspect an overdose.
The Whatcom County Health Department reported the first Xylazine-related overdose death, involving an adult resident with multiple drugs in their system, including Xylazine, fentanyl, and methamphetamines. Xylazine, a common animal tranquilizer, poses serious health risks in humans and cannot be reversed by naloxone spray. The drug has been identified as an emerging threat in the United States, and the health department advises giving naloxone, calling 911, and providing rescue breaths if an overdose is suspected.
The non-profit organization This Must Be The Place will be providing naloxone kits at the upcoming Dreamville Music Festival to help prevent opioid overdoses, with the goal of normalizing naloxone and other overdose prevention tools. The organization has distributed 50,000 kits resulting in 100 overdose reversals at various events, and aims to make naloxone more accessible and destigmatize its use. This initiative comes amidst increasing efforts to make naloxone more widely available, including in schools and county jails.
The CDC reported that nearly 108,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2022, marking a record high and continuing the trend of rising overdose deaths over the past two decades. The fatal overdose rate for synthetic opioids like fentanyl increased, while there were declines in rates for certain other drugs. The report also highlighted shifts in overdose death rates among different age groups and genders. Efforts to prevent overdoses include calls for naloxone to be available in schools and legislative initiatives to require its presence.
Shane Hunter, a former heroin addict, was revived with naloxone nine times in five days during 2018, highlighting the critical role of naloxone in fighting the opioid epidemic. Ohio's efforts to distribute naloxone have led to a 11% increase in known overdose reversals, and the state has spent millions to ensure an adequate supply. Naloxone shortages have been a concern, but Ohio has managed to avoid them through initiatives like RecoveryOhio. Despite some politicization and resistance, naloxone continues to be a crucial tool in preventing overdose deaths and helping individuals like Hunter enter recovery.